I’ve started working on a new art quilt. It’s for a SAQA regional exhibition – the “greater North Pacific region” (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Western Canada).
The title of the exhibition is “Shifting Tides: Convergence in Cloth“. The Exhibit Concept is “Shifting Tides: Convergence in Cloth will focus on the current state of the Pacific Ocean ecosystem, its marvelous natural diversity, and the human activities that both sustain and threaten oceanic life.”
I’ve had an idea for a long time to make an art quilt featuring schools of fish, swimming in graceful synchronized patterns. So I guess I’m focusing on the “marvelous natural diversity” rather than the impact of human activities on ocean life.
The entry does not open until November, so this is early for me – I usually work much closer to a deadline. But I have an idea, and decided to start working on it.
First, I’m building an underwater background, then I’ll fuse fish (and possibly other ocean life forms) on it.
I want to keep it somewhat abstract, so I cut 6″ square pieces from a variety of ocean-colored fabrics. I positioned the squares on the design wall from dark to light. Do you see the ‘fish’ shapes? I’m not sure what colors or sizes I will actually use, I was just anxious to see how they looked against the background.
I cut curves between the horizontal joins and inserted a few narrower pieces. I purposely offset the curves from one column to the next, to give it an abstract look. I’ve spent a couple of days arranging and rearranging, but now it’s time to sew the pieces into columns. I can always insert more fabrics if I don’t like the flow from light to dark. Then I’ll sew the columns together.
By the way, all this fabric is from my stash, including some fabrics I bought to make this quilt in 2003!
Thanks for stopping by. Today, I’m linking up with these blogs – click on the links below, where you’ll find many other creative and inspirational projects.
Em’s Scrap Bag Moving It Forward Monday
Love Laugh Quilt Monday Making
WIP Wednesday @ The Needle & Thread Network
WIPs on Wednesday at Esther’s Quilt Blog
